NFL draft countdown: Scouting the offensive linemen

A poor showing at the scouting combine has affected Oklahoma tackle Orlando Brown's draft stock, meaning he could fall to the Texans in the middle rounds.

Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The Texans go into the NFL draft (Thursday through Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington) without a first- or second-round pick, and they have holes to fill on both sides of the ball. A look at each position with an eye on what might be available for the Texans as well as prospects you'll see go off the board early.

TEXANS' NEED

Offensive tackle is the Texans' biggest need. If the season began today, the starting tackles would be Julién Davenport on the left and Seantrel Henderson on the right. The swing tackle would be Kendall Lamm or David Quessenberry. The Texans are expected to use one of three picks in the third round on an offensive tackle and may add another one in the sixth round, where they have three additional selections.

THIRD-ROUND OPTIONS

Orlando Brown, Oklahoma, 6-8, 345, 5.85

A terrible combine that showed his lack of strength and athleticism may have dropped him into the third round.

Joseph Noteboom, TCU, 6-5, 309, 4.96

A left tackle with good size, quick feet and the football intelligence to make a fast transition into the NFL.

Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State, 6-4, 308, 5.17

Some scouts like him better inside. He can play anywhere on the line, but tackle seems to be his best position.

OVERALL

This isn't a good draft for offensive tackles in the first round. Notre Dame's Mike McGlinchey and Texas' Connor Williams are the only legitimate first-round candidates. Teams needing tackles get good value in the second through fourth rounds. Four guards and centers could be selected in the first round. There's quality depth inside, too.

THE BEST

G Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame, 6-5, 325, 5.23

Not only is he the highest-rated offensive lineman, but he's among the top three prospects in this draft. He's strong, quick and tough. He literally likes to bury his man, knocks him down and jumps on top of him. He's relentless at the point of attack and never quits on the play.

T Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame, 6-8, 309, 5.27

He's tall and could add another 20 pounds without affecting his mobility. Gets good leverage for a lineman with his height. Knows how to shuffle his feet to stay in front of his man. Packs a powerful punch. Works hard against the run. Sometimes struggles with speed rushers.

T Connor Williams, Texas, 6-5, 296, 5.05

Impressive quickness and agility. Natural movement skills help make him effective in pass protection. Is light for a tackle and needs to get stronger and heavier to take on power rushers. Some scouts like him inside, but he's played tackle and has what it takes to excel at that position.

C James Daniels, Iowa, 6-3, 306, 5.24

He's quick and strong and is the kind of impressive athlete coaches love at his position. Snaps the ball, gets into his block fast, gets and maintains leverage. Knows how to use his hands and move his feet to keep his balance. Gets to the second level in a hurry. Could project to guard.

G Isaiah Wynn, Georgia, 6-3, 313, 5.06

Played guard until last season when coaches moved him to left tackle out of necessity. Doesn't have the height or long arms coaches want in tackles. Has a powerful initial punch. Anchors well, keeps his balance and knows how to redirect. Has an impressive work ethic.

G Will Hernandez, UTEP, 6-2, 327, 5.15

His stock has been on the rise since his season ended. A four-year starter at left guard who's got amazing strength to go with impressive quickness. Knocks defenders backward. Coaches love his work ethic, the way he improved and his durability. Should be an immediate starter.

T Kolton Miller, UCLA, 6-9, 309, 4.91

Started at left tackle last season and protected Josh Rosen's blind side. Impressed at the combine with speed and quickness. Outstanding height and needs to add weight and strength. He's raw and needs time to develop. He might project to the right side until he gets more experience.

John McClain, a Waco native who graduated from Baylor in 1975, is in his 43rd year at the Houston Chronicle and his 40th covering the National Football League, including the Oilers and Texans. He worked for the Waco Tribune Herald from 1973-76, when he accepted a job with the Chronicle. to cover the original Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association.

McClain has a plaque in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio as the 2006 winner of the Dick McCann Memorial Award presented annually by the Pro Football Writers of America to a writer for his long and distinguished coverage of the NFL. He is past president of the Pro Football Writers of America.

He's a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Seniors Committee and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

In 2015, he was named as a Gridiron Legend in Texas, becoming the third member of the media behind Dave Campbell and Mickey Herskowitz.

McClain can be heard six times a week on the Texans' flagship station Sports Radio 610 in Houston. He also does weekly sports talk shows in Nashville, Knoxville, Waco, Austin and San Antonio.

McClain also has appeared in eight movies: The Rookie, The Longest Yard, Spring Breakers, Secretariat, Invincible, Cook County, The Game Plan and Make It Rain.